Dr. Howard Gardner, at Harvard University, has dealt with symbolism in art
for the past 30 years. Although his research has dealt with children, he
might be a good contact for you regarding individuals who deal with specific
design theories. The name of his organization is "Project Zero."
name: Howard Gardner (Prof)
phone: 617-496-4929
department: EDUCATION
office: Larsen 201
email: gardneho

The Design Management Institute, 29 Temple Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02111-1350, is run by Earl N. Powell. (617-338-6380) This group meets
regularily on an INTERNATIONAL basis with people all over the world, their
last meeting, I believe was held in January in Paris.
Homepage: http://www.dmis.org/email:dmistaff

I hope this may give you some leads. Best of luck in your continuing
research.